Berry Uniting Church July Bulletin

2019

Welcome to Berry Uniting Church. We trust you feel at home with us as we worship together. We invite everyone to

stay for tea/coffee and something to eat in the church hall after the service.

Church web site: www.berryuniting.org Email: berryuniting@gmail.com 77 Albert Street (PO Box 103)

Berry NSW 2535

Minister’s Musings - July 2019

Rev. Andrew Watts Name Badges It has been decided to order plastic name badges for congregation members. The badges will have magnetic clips and will cost $9.00 each. Members are invited to place their orders with Julie Watts.

I am not in Berry as per usual this Sunday because I am at the NSW.ACT synod meeting. I haven’t been to this meeting for 22 years so thought I had better pop along to see what’s happening. I am writing after the first day. As always at these things it has been a long day but it was a good day. The theme is Living Church. I think this is a deliberate choice as too often we talk of a dying church. As speaker Jon Owen reminded us today, we do not need to fear death. We follow Jesus Christ who defeated death and showed us death does not have the last word. The Bible Study today (by Rev Peter Walker) emphasized the purpose of the living church. “The living church is always and only ever identified by the presence of the living Lord.” Yes, we foster a sense of community. Yes, we are agents of justice and mercy. Yes, we worship. These things are important and necessary but they are not unique to us. The church is uniquely called to be a witness to the presence of the living Lord in the world.

Jon Owen drew on a farming metaphor to demonstrate how we witness. He had been out Brewarrina way, an area of vast paddocks and great challenges in managing properties and livestock. One farmer had mentioned to him that instead of spending lots of time and energy on building fences and then needing to keep maintaining them, they concentrated on digging deep wells. This kept the livestock within range of the wells and fence management did not have such vital role. He said sometimes the church has spent too much energy on building fences to delineate who was in and who was out. Rather, he encouraged us to dig deep wells that demonstrated the living water available from Jesus Christ. This is what draws people in. I would add to the metaphor from regenerative farming practices (ie beyond just sustainability) where it is shown that the water source needs to move around to keep the livestock on the move. This acknowledges how the living Lord is also always on the move going ahead of us, leading us, guiding us, keeping us on the way and yet nourishing us still.

Coffee and Friends: We had another successful morning on 26th June. Our speaker Chris Allen had everyone mesmerised with the story of his adventurous life in the army, as a paratrooper with the British army, leading security operations in East Timor and Counter Terrorism at Sydney Airport and all these adventures have given him plenty to write about in his novels!

There was much laughter and discussion throughout the time.

Next month on 28th August, our speaker will be Mary Cunnane who has worked in publishing in New York, London and Sydney and was responsible for publishing books by Kenneth Branagh, Seamus Heaney and many others.

WANTED: If anyone has a trailer to sell, or know of one, please let Pam Coles know. 4464 1505

Berry & District Historical Society Inc. would like to invite the Community to the launch of a special local history book called “Grave Misconceptions” by June Robson. The book describes the history of the Berry Cemetery in Kangaroo Valley Road, examines burial practices and mentions some of the people interred there. Thursday 18th July at St Luke’s Church Hall. RSVP 444 3097 or berrymuseum@bigpond.com

SECET/THREE 16 SHOALHAVEN:

Speak to Erica about upcoming events for SECET/THREE 16

NOWRA PLAYERS Heather

Fealy

The next production of Nowra Players will be "Xanadu”, based on the movie of the same name, which starred Olivia Newton John and Gene Kelly, described as an "over the top, fun musical". Heather has booked seats for the matinee Sunday, 18th August at 2 pm. Cost is $30 each. Numbers please by Sunday 21 July.

Preachers in July 7th John Brentnall

14th Joanne Barnes-White 21st Andrew Watts 28th David Millikan

July Birthdays

2nd Ruth Waller 5th Chris Hutchinson 8th Andrew Watts 14th Erica Nielsen 15th Gloria Carter 18th Tom Darby 24th Sandra Escott

ChurchPropertyMatters:pleasecontactStuartHorsmanCHURCHANDHALLSBOOKINGS:N.B.pleasecontactJanetBrentnall.

CHURCH BULLETIN: Please let Ona Frazier know of any items that need to be in the Church Bulletin. Either send them to her by email Ona.Frazier@gmail.com or by phone: 4423 2802 or 0400 890 839 or write

a note and give it to her by the last Thursday in the month.

“We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.” ― John Calvin

COLD FEET??? Do your feet still feel frozen in winter

As they always did in your youth? Then here is a simple solution,

Get some warm knitted slippers from Ruth.

Put them on first thing every morning; You will stay cosy and comfy that way.

When they wear out, replacements no problem- Ruth sits, knits most of the day. The proceeds will all go to SECET

To keep Scripture thriving in schools. It teaches our dearly loved Children

To live by God’s heavenly rules.

By Ruth Wheatley

LIBRARY OPENING HOURS & EVENTS 2019

Monday & Wednesday 1 – 4pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am – 1pm Friendship Room.

The Library continues to grow and develop with many new donations of books but also new people to Berry popping in for a chat. Last week we met quite a few people who have just moved to Berry and wanted to know the sorts of activities available in the town.

Another service we are offering that was part of the overall plan, is for people who are having trouble downloading forms or finding information on the internet or those who don’t have access to a printer. Just before the election we were able to help some people who weren’t able to register online for a postal voting form and last week we were able to help a gentleman print out papers he needed for a special appointment.

GOLD COIN DONATION

Sunday Morning Teas goes towards young people in conjunction with the Men’s Shed.

A Glimpse into the Life of Andrew Watts My earliest memory is ___ Playing in the red Pindan sand/soil at Mowanjum Aboriginal mission and eating the fruit of the Boab nuts. At School____ I learnt to sing in choirs. One of the best experiences of my life was____ getting married to Jody and later, having kids. When I was a child ____I ate! My happiest moments were ____see the answer about getting married and having kids! My career ___ reflects who I am. I wish ____ I had eight days per week. What I most treasure ___ grace moments – moments of pure gift. I trusted my life to Jesus ___continually. The things I like about being at Berry Uniting Church ___ beautiful people and beautiful music. Spending life with Jesus is ___ fun, exciting and full of LIFE. The things I most like to do ___ are relaxing when I do not have to “do” anything.

I’m always asked___ how tall I am. The book that changed my life ___ Reaching Out: the three movements of the spiritual life by Henri Nouwen. I would most like to be remembered ___ for being uniquely me. Anything else you would like to add ___ Nyaku yaku Wetitj Gurruwiwi, Burralang, Galpu to Galiwinku mob, Mamanggal to Mowanjum mob and Wati wara to Anangu mob.

RostersforJuly: Mowing:CheckwithRossMcKinnon&JohnBrentnall

Date Greeters BibleReader Prayer Duty

LeaderMorningTea Communion Cleaning

7th MargaretB&Pam Hedley JohnBr JohnB Ona Julie

14th Virginia&Sandra Christa

Julie

Barbara Heather

Marion

21st Pam&Christa ChrisH Heather Marion Janet

28th Erica&Virginia

JohnBallinger JohnB Erica Ona Janet

4thAugust

Pam&MargaretB PeterW Heather JohnB Barbara

&Lawrie John

“HatedWithoutaReason”TheremarkablestoryofChristianpersecutionoverthecenturies.”Iftheypersecutedme,theywillpersecuteyoualso,”saidtheLordJesusChristtoHisfirstfollowers.ChristianbelievershavesufferedfortheirLorddownthecenturiesandacrosstheworld.Thisbooktellsthegloriousstoryoftheircourage,faithandendurance,includingmanymovingandinspirationalexamplesthatarelittleknown.Ataverypersonallevel,DrSookhdeo’sbookconsidersthedifferentwaysinwhichindividualChristianscouldrespondtopersecution.Italsoexploresthewidesweepofcausesofpersecutionover2000years,whetherreligious,political,economicorideological,findinglessonsfromthepastwhicharerelevantandapplicableintheC21st.

Cost:$30fromBarnabasFundbfaustralia@barnabasfund.orgor1300365799

Plastic Free July. It’s July again and that means “Plastic Free July.” Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. The movement has inspired over 120 million participants in 177 countries. What can we do to support the reduction of single use plastics in our community?

Takeaway coffee cups. Most coffee cups aren’t recycled. By bringing your own reusable coffee cup, or taking the time to dine-in at your favourite café, you can make a huge difference.

Plastic shopping bags. Plastic bags are incredibly dangerous to our wildlife and environment. Bring your own reusable bags and help put an end to this plastic waste.

Plastic straws. Many bars and cafes put plastic straws in every drink. Reduce plastic waste and protect wildlife by requesting your drink without a plastic straw, and bringing your own reusable alternative. Choose to refuse single-use plastic straws.

Plastic water bottles. Many people buy plastic water bottles when they’re out and about, only to discard them after one use. Buy a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic.

Bin liners. Plastic bin liners have a devastating impact on the environment, but with a bit of forward thinking you can help change that. Choose to refuse plastic bin liners. That includes ‘reusing’ plastic bags, because unfortunately they end up in landfill as well. There are some great alternatives to plastic bin liners and bags, including: Lining the bin with a few sheets of newspaper, Using certified compostable bin liner bags, Using the bin as a ‘naked bin’, and simply washing it out as needed.

Plastic cling wrap. Plastic cling wrap is a staple item in most homes. Many products are pre-packed using it, too. Alternatives exist that are just as effective, and more sustainable. There are many fantastic alternatives to plastic cling wrap that you can use to reduce plastic pollution. Storing and packing food in reusable containers is a great

start. You can also purchase reusable silicone bowl toppers to cover food in bowls, pots and pans, or even get crafty with an upside down plate, reusable cloth cover or wax wrap. Wax wraps and containers make a great, reusable alternative for wrapping sandwiches. You can also buy reusable washable cloth bags to store and pack food in, as a better option to zip lock bags.

Article provided by John Brentnall

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Local community celebrations during NAIDOC Week are encouraged and often organised by communities, government agencies, local councils, schools and workplaces. This year there is to be a Family Fun Day in Nowra at the Showground on Wednesday 10th from 10am to 2pm.

The 2019 theme is “VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH”, which were three key elements to the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. These reforms represent the unified position of First Nations Australians.

However, the Uluru Statement built on generations of consultation and discussions among Indigenous people on a range of issues and grievances. Consultations about the further reforms are necessary to secure and underpin Indigenous rights and to ensure they can be exercised and enjoyed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It specifically sequenced a set of reforms: first, a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and second, a Makarrata Commission to supervise treaty processes and truth-telling. (Makarrata is a word from the language of the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land. The Yolngu concept of Makarrata captures the idea of two parties coming together after a struggle, healing the divisions of the past. It is about acknowledging that something has been done wrong, and it seeks to make things right.) Indigenous Australians invite us to “work together for a shared future.”

Source: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/

Article provided by John Brentnall

“The gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. It cannot be grasped by reason and memory only, but it is fully understood when it possesses the whole soul and penetrates to the inner recesses of the heart.” John Calvin

REGULAR CHURCH ACTIVITIES

• Church Prayer Group: Meets each Saturday at 8 am. Contact : Fay Atkins 4464 1426

• Social Craft Group: Meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month at 9.30 am. Contact: Christa Leahmann 0418441105

• Berry Men’s Shed: is open each week on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9.30 am. Contact: Sandra Escott 4464 1495

• Berry Computers for Seniors: Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday. Contact: Maree Watson on 0407 803

819.

• The Berry Apple Users Group: Meets 2nd Tuesday at 7:00pm Contact John Brentnall

• Church Council: Meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 1:30 pm in the Friendship Room. Contact: John

Brentnall

• Friday Morning Bible Study: (10:00am 1st& 3rd) Contacts: Roy and Ona Frazier 0400890839

• Coffee and friends: 4th Wednesday of each month at 10:00am. Contacts: Janet Brentnall, Shona

Gibson, Virginia Munro or Julie Watts.

• Berry Community Garden

ChristianPersecutioninIndia–PrayfortheChristiansinIndiaTheprimaryforceforpersecutioninIndiaisHinduNationalism,whichadvocatesforthebeliefthatIndiabelongstoHindusandpeopleofotherfaithsshouldfindsomewhereelsetolive,workandworship.Sincethecurrentrulingpartytookpowerin2014,attackshaveincreased,andHinduradicalsbelievetheycanattackChristianswithnoconsequences.Asaresult,ChristianshavebeentargetedbyHindunationalistextremistsmoreandmoreeachyear.TheviewofthenationalistsisthattobeIndianistobeHindu,soanyotherfaith—includingChristianity—isconsiderednon-Indian.Additionally,insomeregionsofthecountry,convertstoChristianityfromHinduismexperienceextremepersecution,discriminationandviolence.BecauseradicalHindunationalistsviewfollowersofJesusasalientothenation,allChristiansinIndiaaresufferingpersecution.DrivenbyadesiretocleansetheircountryfromIslamandChristianity,nationalistsdonotshyawayfromusingextensiveviolencetoachievetheirgoals.ConvertstoChristianityfromHinduismbearthebruntoftheChristianpersecutioninIndiaandareconstantlyunderpressurebythestate,theircommunityandtheirfamiliestoreturntoHinduism(especiallyviacampaignsknowsasgharwapsi,whichmeans“homecoming”).TheseChristiansareoftenphysicallyassaultedandsometimeskilled.

Examples:OnJune19,2018,fiveChristianwomen(aged20to35)wereperformingastreetplayinJharkhandwhentheywereabductedandthengangrapedinaforest.Policestatedthattheassaultwasalsoallegedlyfilmedoncellphones.OnJanuary20,2018,thebodyofPastorGideonPeriyaswamyinAdaiyalachery(KanchipuramDistrict,TamilNadu)wasfoundhungfromthethatchedroofofhishouse,aweekafterhecomplainedtopoliceaboutoppositionfromradicalHindus.OnDecember14,2017,acarol-singinggroupbelongingtoSt.Ephrem’sTheologicalCollegeinSatna,MadhyaPradesh,wasdetainedbypolicefollowingacomplaintfromradicalHinduactivistswhoaccusedthegroupofbeinginvolvedinreligiousconversion–achargeoftenleveledagainstChristianstotargetthem.

“Ifyoubelievewhatyoulikeinthegospels,andrejectwhatyoudon'tlike,

itisnotthegospelyoubelieve,butyourself.”–StAugustine.